Heart Disease

A leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease is a significant medical issue when left untreated. At Expedient Medical, PLLC, in Williamsville, New York, board-eligible internal medicine physician Sarwat Khawar, MD, and his dedicated staff diagnose and treat heart disease and its risk factors. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tab today.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a common chronic disease that affects your blood vessels and heart. It may develop due to genetic factors or lifestyle habits and must be managed properly to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or other severe heart problems. If you’re at risk of heart disease or develop its symptoms, see Dr. Khawar for an evaluation as soon as possible. 

What are the different types of heart disease?

Heart disease has various forms, including:

• Congenital heart disease
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Angina (chest pain due to poor blood flow)
• Atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in blood vessel walls)
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Heart valve problems

Chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup (edema) are signs of heart disease, but you might not have any symptoms in its early stage or until heart disease causes a heart attack.

What are the risk factors for developing heart disease?

While heart disease can affect anyone, its risk factors include:

• Family history of heart disease
• Older age
• Infections
• Medications
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes 
• Chronic kidney disease
• Autoimmune diseases
• Metabolic syndrome
• Other chronic diseases
• Diet high in saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and sodium
• Lack of physical activity
• Carrying excess body weight
• Smoking
• Stress
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Maintaining an ideal body weight, getting regular exercise, eating healthy foods, and minimizing heart-disease risk factors can reduce your chance of developing heart disease. 

How does my provider diagnose heart disease?

Dr. Khawar reviews your medical history, lifestyle habits, medications, and symptoms to assess your heart disease risk factors. He also reviews your body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs.

Dr. Khawar completes a physical exam and may order blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), additional heart-function tests, or imaging procedures to screen for common heart problems and their risk factors. 

How is heart disease treated?

Common heart disease treatments include making lifestyle changes, taking medications, properly managing heart disease risk factors, undergoing medical procedures, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation. 

Your personalized treatment plan depends on the type and severity of heart disease you have. Dr. Khawar follows up with you periodically to ensure your treatment is effective and refers you to a heart specialist as needed for complex heart or blood vessel problems.

Call the Expedient Medical, PLLC, office today or schedule an appointment online to manage heart disease or its risk factors.